Walden-ish: A Woman’s Adaptation of Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”

AN AMERICAN CLASSIC, REINVIGORATED

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau published his famous work, Walden, an experiment in simple living. Thoreau recounts his experiences living alone in a small self-built cabin near Walden Pond, reflecting on the virtue of self-reliance and the pursuit of a meaningful life. He challenges readers to question societal norms and reconnect with the natural world, our home. Walden remains a timeless exploration of transcendentalist philosophy and a call to embrace a more intentional and authentic existence. Nearly 200 years later, Thoreau’s wisdom is still needed.

TIMELESS, MAGICAL, REFLECTIVE

WALDEN-ISH IS THE MODERN ADAPTATION THAT READERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

Walden is an important and impactful text, and one that was clearly written for men. What’s more, the complicated syntax and old-fashioned verbiage can alienate readers, discouraging them from pressing on to discover deeper meaning.

Both enamored by Thoreau’s sensitivity and discouraged by his evident distaste for women’s society, author Krimsey Lilleth set out to create a modern adaptation of the classic novel. With immense respect for the source material and compassion for a man who was, after all, a product of his times, she has infused the classic novel with a more egalitarian understanding and supplemented it with thoughts from Thoreau’s own journals. As Thoreau himself understood, “It is never too late to give up our prejudices.” By tempering and refining the language that separates many from the wisdom and insight within Walden’s pages, Lilleth has amplified Thoreau’s original message while making an important, powerful book accessible to all.

PAST OR PRESENT, IT IS WISDOM THAT TRANSCENDS TIME

Intrepid readers of Walden have long found echoes of our current struggles and existential questions. Now, with Walden-ish: A Woman’s Adaptation of Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” readers can again benefit from the spirit of natural simplicity, harmony, and beauty held in this classic work from the American Romantic Period. Whether you’re a lover of reimagined classic novels, interested in philosophy, or simply looking for engaging nonfiction about living in the woods, this book is for you.

Krimsey Lilleth is a Louisiana-born writer, artist, and mom.